King Marigaux Alto

Featured Saxophone King Marigaux

The King Marigaux alto saxophone is a highly regarded, professional-grade vintage instrument manufactured in Paris by Strasser Marigaux & Lemaire (SML) and imported by King Musical Instruments from approximately 1960 through the mid-1980s. 

Often referred to as an “SML stencil,” this horn is essentially an SML Gold Medal (typically the Mark II series) stamped with the King logo. King imported this line to offer a specialized, French-crafted “classical-style” horn that could compete directly with the dominant Selmer Mark VI. 

Key Specifications & Design Features

Because it was built on the premium SML framework, the King Marigaux boasts several unique, high-end mechanical details: 

  • Tone Holes: Unlike original SML Gold Medal Mk I horns, the King Marigaux models typically feature straight tone holes rather than rolled ones. 
  • Moveable Neck Receiver: Features a unique collar that allows the neck to be repositioned and tightened at customized angles for player comfort. 
  • Optional G# Articulation Lever: Includes a specialized mechanism designed to facilitate smooth technical fingering transitions.
  • Premium Materials: Outfitted with real mother-of-pearl key touches (on the upper and lower stacks) and corrosion-resistant gold-plated springs.
  • Range & Keys: Keyed from low Bb up to palm F (with later vintage examples occasionally featuring a high F# key) and includes a front F mechanism. 

Sound Profile and Playability

Sonically, the horn behaves like a hybrid between a powerful vintage American saxophone and a precise French instrument. It is characterized by:

  • Rich, Centered Tone: It delivers a dark, warm, and highly focused sound that emphasizes the fundamental tone of each note.
  • Excellent Intonation: Players widely praise it for having fewer tuning issues and a more consistent scale across the registers compared to other horns of its era.
  • Altissimo Access: The engineering allows for a relatively easy and secure transition into the altissimo register. 

Current Market & Value

Because they are SML horns in all but name, King Marigaux altos are considered incredible values in the vintage market. Depending on the condition of the lacquer and whether it has had a recent professional overhaul, these instruments typically retail between $1,600 and $2,400 USD. Examples in gig-ready, fully overhauled condition can be found from specialized vintage dealers like Brass Foghorn Vintage Saxophones or reviewed on collector galleries like Saxquest.